When it comes to cleaning large commercial buildings, experience, the right equipment, and the proper cleaning methods make all the difference. At Oklahoma Exterior Maintenance, we recently had the privilege of completing one of the largest exterior cleaning projects our company has ever taken on—the QuikTrip Corporate Headquarters.
This incredible project covered more than 500,000 square feet of exterior surfaces and required weeks of careful planning, specialized equipment, and a highly detailed soft washing process. From towering stone columns to decorative stone walls and elevated architectural features, every square foot was cleaned safely and professionally without causing damage to the building.
Projects like this don’t happen by accident. They happen because large organizations trust contractors with proven systems, professional equipment, and a commitment to quality. We’re incredibly grateful that QuikTrip trusted Oklahoma Exterior Maintenance with their headquarters, and we’re proud to share what went into this massive commercial cleaning project.
Why Commercial Buildings Need Professional Exterior Cleaning
Every commercial property is constantly exposed to Oklahoma’s weather. Rain, humidity, dust, pollen, mold, algae, mildew, bird droppings, and pollution slowly build up on exterior surfaces throughout the year.
Over time, these contaminants don’t just make a building look dirty—they can actually shorten the lifespan of exterior materials if left untreated.
Regular commercial building washing helps:
- Remove mold and algae before permanent staining occurs.
- Improve curb appeal for customers and visitors.
- Protect expensive stone, brick, and concrete surfaces.
- Extend the life of building materials.
- Maintain a professional appearance that reflects your business.
For a corporate campus like QuikTrip’s headquarters, maintaining a clean exterior demonstrates pride in the property and creates a welcoming environment for employees and visitors alike.
Why We Used Soft Washing Instead of High Pressure
One of the biggest misconceptions about exterior cleaning is that higher pressure equals better cleaning.
In reality, many commercial buildings should never be cleaned using high pressure.
The QuikTrip headquarters features large stone surfaces and architectural elements that require a much gentler approach.
Instead of relying on pressure alone, we used our professional soft washing system.
Soft washing combines specialized cleaning solutions with low-pressure water to:
- Kill mold and algae at their source.
- Remove organic staining.
- Prevent premature regrowth.
- Protect delicate building materials.
- Produce a longer-lasting clean than pressure washing alone.
This method is recommended for stone, stucco, painted surfaces, architectural masonry, EIFS, and many other commercial materials.
Cleaning More Than 500,000 Square Feet
Large commercial projects require far more than simply showing up with a pressure washer.
Before work even began, we developed a plan to safely clean every section of the property while minimizing disruption to normal business operations.
The project included:
- Exterior stone walls
- Massive support columns
- Decorative architectural stone
- Elevated structures
- Entry areas
- Walkways
- Large retaining walls
- Exterior building surfaces
- Bridge and connecting stone features
Each section required its own cleaning approach based on the type of surface, height, accessibility, and level of organic growth.
Reaching 75-Foot Columns
One of the biggest challenges during this project was safely reaching the enormous columns surrounding the building.
These architectural columns rise approximately 75 feet into the air, making them impossible to reach with traditional ladders or standard cleaning equipment.
To safely complete the work, we utilized a 135-foot articulating boom lift.
This specialized equipment allowed us to reach every section of the building while maintaining complete control over the cleaning process.
Safety remained our top priority throughout the project. Every lift operation was carefully planned, equipment was inspected daily, and work was performed according to strict safety procedures.
Restoring the Stone to Like-New Condition
Natural stone is beautiful, but it also attracts algae, mildew, dirt, and airborne contaminants.
Over time, these contaminants dull the appearance of the stone and create dark streaks across the surface.
Because we use soft washing instead of aggressive pressure, we were able to restore the original appearance of the stone while protecting its integrity.
As the cleaning progressed, the difference became dramatic.
Years of organic buildup disappeared, revealing bright, clean stone underneath.
This transformation was especially noticeable on the bridge, retaining walls, and decorative stone throughout the property.
Why Soft Washing Produces Longer Lasting Results
Pressure washing alone may remove visible dirt, but it often leaves behind the microscopic organisms that caused the staining in the first place.
That’s why many buildings begin turning green again only a few months after being cleaned.
Soft washing is different.
Our cleaning solutions eliminate algae, mold, mildew, and bacteria at their roots.
This not only provides a deeper clean but also slows future organic growth, allowing the building to stay cleaner much longer.
For commercial properties, this means fewer cleanings over time and better long-term protection.
Experience Matters on Large Commercial Projects
Cleaning a residential home and cleaning a 500,000-square-foot corporate headquarters require completely different planning, equipment, and expertise.
Commercial projects involve:
- Equipment logistics
- Lift operation
- Water management
- Safety planning
- Surface identification
- Chemical knowledge
- Scheduling around business operations
- Detailed quality control
Every member of our team understands these requirements and takes pride in delivering professional results from start to finish.
Commercial Exterior Cleaning Throughout Oklahoma
Although this project was one of our largest to date, Oklahoma Exterior Maintenance provides commercial exterior cleaning services for properties of every size.
We regularly clean:
- Office buildings
- Retail centers
- Apartment communities
- Churches
- Schools
- Medical facilities
- Industrial buildings
- Warehouses
- Restaurants
- HOA entrances
- Municipal buildings
Whether it’s a small office building or a large corporate campus, we bring the same level of professionalism to every project.
Residential Services Available Too
Our experience on large commercial properties benefits homeowners as well.
We provide professional exterior cleaning services including:
- House soft washing
- Roof cleaning
- Concrete cleaning
- Driveway washing
- Sidewalk cleaning
- Patio cleaning
- Fence cleaning
- Window cleaning
- Gutter cleaning
Using commercial-grade equipment and professional soft washing techniques allows us to safely clean homes while delivering exceptional results.
Thank You, QuikTrip
We’re honored that QuikTrip trusted Oklahoma Exterior Maintenance with such an important project.
Completing the exterior cleaning of their corporate headquarters represents an exciting milestone for our company and reflects the trust that businesses throughout Oklahoma place in our team.
From the towering 75-foot columns to the extensive stone walls surrounding the property, every section was cleaned with precision, professionalism, and attention to detail.
If one of Oklahoma’s most recognizable companies trusts us to clean its corporate headquarters, we’d love the opportunity to earn your trust as well.
Schedule Your Free Estimate
Whether you own a home, manage an office building, oversee an apartment complex, or maintain a commercial facility, Oklahoma Exterior Maintenance has the equipment and experience to get the job done right.
Our professional soft washing process safely removes mold, algae, mildew, dirt, and staining while protecting your property’s surfaces.
If you’re looking for professional commercial building washing, house washing, roof cleaning, concrete cleaning, or exterior maintenance anywhere in the Tulsa area, contact Oklahoma Exterior Maintenance today for a free estimate.
Let us help restore your property’s appearance—one safe, professional cleaning at a time.
